Welcome to your Langhorne Rod & Gun Club January 2026 Monthly Newsletter. Starting this month, we are launching a new newsletter format designed to enhance your reading experience.
The key improvements include:
- Mobile Optimization: Easier viewing on mobile devices, eliminating the need to zoom into PDF documents.
- Navigation: Expanded use of links within the newsletter for easier content navigation.
- Archiving: Continuous, automatic archiving of all produced newsletters.
As you will notice, we are transitioning to a completely new format. During this transition, previous content will be temporarily unavailable, and some items will be removed permanently. For example, the For Sale page is one of those that won’t be available while we transition. We’ll be considering it’s return along with other content some time in the future.
Please keep in mind that this is YOUR newsletter. We the editors (Joe Mercede and Bruce Santos) are requesting your input on recent and future LRGC events, experiences, and club-focused information that will benefit the members and the club as a whole. Please feel free to reach out to us at editor@langhornerodandgun.com.
📅 **Upcoming Meetings and Special Events at the Club**
**General Membership Meeting & Election**
Thursday, January 8 — 7:00 PM Tan Building
**Club Wide Work Party**
Saturday, January 10 — 8:00 AM-2:00 PM
**Mandatory Committee Head/Chairmen Meeting**
Sunday, January 11 — 10:00 AM Tan Building
**Mailing Committee Meeting**
Thursday, January 15 — 7:00 PM Tan Building
**4H Meeting & Shooting**
Sunday, January 18 — Noon to 2:00 PM Tan Building & Short Range
**Fish & Game Committee Meeting**
Wednesday, January 21 — 7:00 PM Green Building
**Board of Directors Meeting**
Tuesday, January 27 — 7:00 PM Green Building
⭐ January 2026 Club Calendar
by Vince Sullivan
Event dates and times may change for various reasons. Please check the calendar on the website for last minute changes.
From President John Terrell
Greetings LRGC Members and Happy New Year!! Hoping everybody had a great Holiday Season and looking forward to another exciting year ahead! Welcome to 2026!!
December was a busy month with many to thank. Ron Fortunato’s Action Pistol food drive had a very successful turnout. Thank you, Ron, and to all who participated. Many thanks to Bill Edmonds, Gerald Hartnett and Bobby Acker for all of the delicious food they cooked. Thanks also to Jason and Kim Curley for all the help with set up and food service. Thank you, Jason, for the use of your truck and trailer to haul food to the pantry. Thank you to all who helped make it a success for our community.
Big thanks go out to Scott and Teena Russell for running the Toy drive and Santa Day. Wow! They certainly did a great job putting this together for the kids. They had a great turnout on the Santa day, with lots of fun for all. Thank you to all who participated for your time and help in making this a wonderful successful day for everybody!
The General Meeting for January will be moved to Thursday, January 8th. LRGC elections are being held on that evening as well as the general meeting. Please show your support and join us in these elections. It’s important to participate and keep informed with all the ongoing news and information.
John Palombi will be holding a six shot Steel Challenge match on Saturday, January 17. Please come out for a great time and a challenging match. Thank you, John!
There will be a MANDATORY meeting for Shoot Chairmen and ALL RSO’S that work ALL Shoots! Sunday, January 11 at 10AM In the Tan Building
Congratulations to all of our new members and Welcome to LRGC!
I want to thank all the men and women who help to keep this Club running smoothly. From Shooting Events to Social Events, and everything in between. It’s an important commitment and so very much appreciated. We could not run without the help we receive, no matter how big or small. Thank You!
Stay Well and Be Safe,
John Terrell
📢 **Special Announcements & Upcoming Events**
Mandatory Committee Head / Chairperson Meeting
A meeting has been scheduled by our CRSO Joe Gutherman. This meeting is to include all committee chairmen and any RSOs that assist with their programs.
The meeting will be held on Sunday January 11th starting at 10:00 AM inside the Tan Building.
A few reminders will be sent out before this meeting to ensure you don’t forget.
Thank you,
David Terrell – VP
Steel Challenge Matches – January, February, & March
Please note that the January, February, and March Steel Challenge matches will be a “6 Shot Steel Shoot”.
Rules and scoring will be very different compared to the usual Steel Challenge matches.
Please read the following from Match Director John Palombi:
“6 Shot Steel Shoot” matches will be held the 3rd Saturday of January, February & March annually.
This is a 6 Shot per String Steel Plate Match.
Iron Sights Only
Center Fire Handguns ONLY – No Magnum Calibers. No Rimfire Handguns for Adults*
There Will be 3 Stages with 4 Strings per Stage – 72 Round Count Maximum
Each String has a 6 Shot Limit – Bring at Least 4 Magazines, 1 per String
*Children 12 & Under May Shoot any Pistol Caliber Firearm
Eyes & Ears Mandatory
Registration is 8:00AM-8:30AM – Hammer Down at 9:00AM”
⭐ **Recent Special Events at LRGC**
Action Pistol Food Drive Saturday, December 6
From: Ron Fortunato, Action Pistol Committee Chairman
On behalf of the entire Action Pistol Committee.
Let me start off with a HUGE THANK YOU to every single person that donated their time and money to make this day happen. Without you this day would not be possible. I personally want to thank the following….
**Friday night setup and cleanup crew. The team of people setting up all the shooting stages and getting everything else ready.
**The Food Crew, What can I say…. Outstanding as always and if you left hungry you have no one to blame but yourself. (Bill, Kim, Jason, Jerald & Bobby)
** Registration, (Elizabeth & Reily) great job welcoming all the shooters and keeping all the donations and paperwork correct. Not an easy task!
** RSO’s thank you for a great match and your knowledge, professionalism and keeping us all safe!!!! Lou, Kevin, Don, Ken & Dave.
Last but not least…. THANK YOU again to every person that reached deep into their pockets to help us with our goals. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
I hope that covers everyone, thank you AGAIN!!!!
Total Pounds of Food collected: 1045-lbs
Total Money Raised: $2,432.00
Congratulations to Todd Millman for winning the stage 1 -50/50 shooting challenge with a blazing time of 3.78 seconds.
Congratulations to Dave Wollman for winning stage 2 -50/50 spinner challenge with a mind-blowing time of 3.70 seconds.
Dave also won stage 3 -50/50 clay bird challenge with a time of 2.00 seconds.
Congratulations Todd Millman and Don Smith for making it to the finals of the Head-to-Head Challenge.
Don Smith absolutely killing it by winning 6 straight rounds to capture the 2025 Title.
Don will hold the championship title until December 2026.
This is Don’s 4th championship win, he also won in 2017, 2021 & 2024.
Congratulations Don!
Please congratulate all winners when you see them, they REALLY earned it.
“A BIG thank you to the Langhorne Rod and Gun Club for this generous donation.”
Jesus Focus Ministry Food Pantry at Bethanna
Santa Came to LRGC – Saturday, December 13
Mr & Mrs Claus took time from their busy schedule to visit Langhorne Rod & Gun Club again this year.
41 children got to meet Santa. Lots of parents, grandparents, & friends too. Many took the time to write up, and negotiate their Christmas wish lists with Santa & Mrs Claus (2 incredibly nice people).
The excitement of the children, and the smile on the face of every adult made this an unforgettable experience. If you didn’t “feel Christmas” when you arrived, you certainly felt it by the time you left.
“Thank you VERY MUCH to all who pitched in to help make this event so successful & so special.” Scott Russell
⭐ **Matches and People**
December 2025 Steel Challenge
“Wow, it was a chilly morning on the short Range…
Thank you for coming out to the last Steel Challenge of the Year.
Hats off to Ken for the Snowman Stage. It was undoubtedly an interesting stage!
As a reminder, Jan, Feb & March are scheduled to be Old School Steel Challenge hosted by John. Iron sights & centerfire only. 6 round max. 22lr permitted for 12yr old & under only.”
Bill Edmonds
Steel Challenge Scores
December 2025 Highpower Match
“Here are the results for our December Highpower match at Langhorne. Thank you all for attending our matches this past year.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!” Mike
December 2025 Practical Rifle “Red December” Match
It was an icy & cold beginning to the “Red December” match on December 27. Good turnout & great time in spite of the cold start.
“Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy Red December today. Thanks for your support and thanks for being safe. On behalf of Mike and Jay, please have a happy and safe New Years and we’ll see you next year.”
Gary
⭐ **Monthly Work Party**
Saturday, December 13th
Photographer Rob McHugh
⭐ **Monthly Columns**
This Month in History
by Mark Lambdin
Adoption of the M1903 Springfield Rifle
On January 19, 1903, the United States Army officially adopted the Springfield Model 1903 rifle. Derived in part from Mauser design principles, the bolt action rifle became one of the most respected military firearms of the 20th century. Its accuracy, strength, and cartridge performance later made it a favorite among civilian marksmen and hunters, influencing American sporting rifle design for decades.
Colt Introduces the Woodsman Pistol
On January 15, 1915, Colt began production of the Colt Woodsman .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Designed as a precision target and sporting handgun, the Woodsman became one of the most popular rimfire pistols ever produced. Its balance, reliability, and accuracy made it a staple for small game hunters and competitive shooters throughout the first half of the 20th century.
Garcia Corporation Introduces the Mitchell 300 Reel to the U.S. Market
In January 1955, the Garcia Corporation began widespread U.S. distribution of the Mitchell 300 spinning reel. Manufactured in France, the reel revolutionized freshwater and light saltwater fishing by offering durability, smooth operation, and ease of use. It helped popularize spinning tackle in North America and remains one of the most influential fishing reels ever produced.
Fenwick Launches the First Graphite Fishing Rods
In January 1973, Fenwick announced the introduction of graphite fishing rods to the consumer market. Graphite construction dramatically reduced weight while increasing sensitivity and strength, transforming rod design across all forms of angling. The innovation permanently changed rod manufacturing and remains the standard material in modern fishing rods.
Notable January Dates in U.S. History
Continental Army Reenlistments Begin
On January 1, 1776, General Washington implemented new enlistment terms for the Continental Army as earlier contracts expired. Most soldiers who made up Washington’s army in 1775 were enlisted only for one year, and their enlistments expired at the end of December. As that date approached, thousands of soldiers were legally free to go home, even though the war was far from over. Washington warned Congress that if nothing changed, he would be left with almost no army just as Britain was preparing major offensives. His reenlistment effort prevented the collapse of the army and ensured its survival during the opening phase of the Revolution.
Battle of Princeton
A year later, on January 3, 1777, Washington led Continental forces to a decisive victory over British troops near Princeton, New Jersey. Coming days after the victory at Trenton, the battle disrupted British control of central New Jersey and boosted American morale at a critical point in the war. This victory restored confidence in the Continental Army and proved that British forces could be beaten in open battle even after months of defeats. Ultimately, British forces abandoned much of New Jersey and pulled back toward New York. While the Battle of Princeton didn’t win the war, it did save the Revolution by restoring belief that independence was still possible.
Casablanca Conference Concludes
On January 24, 1943, Allied leaders Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill concluded the Casablanca Conference in Morocco. The meeting established the policy of unconditional surrender and coordinated Allied strategy for the remainder World War II. The conference marked a clear turning point in which American military superiority became unmistakable within the Allied coalition, as the United States demonstrated its ability to project overwhelming industrial, logistical, and operational power on a global scale. By this point in the war, American factories were producing ships, aircraft, vehicles, and munitions at volumes no Axis power could match, allowing U.S. leaders to argue credibly for sustained, large-scale offensives. The conference formalized the policy of unconditional surrender, reflecting American confidence that its economic and military strength could sustain a prolonged war of attrition. U.S. planners also pressed for the expansion of the strategic bombing campaign, emphasizing America’s growing air power and long-range capabilities, while simultaneously committing substantial ground forces to the Mediterranean theater as a precursor to a cross-Channel invasion. Casablanca underscored that the United States had moved beyond recovery and mobilization and had emerged as the dominant Allied power capable of shaping overall war strategy and carrying it through to decisive victory.
January Gun Shows
by Vince Sullivan
NOTE: The contact list seen below is in the process of being updated with privacy and accuracy in mind. If you are included in this list, and would like your contact information updated, please send an email to editor@langhornerodandgun.com
